Marie W. Ellis

November 21, 1999|Compiled by MICHELLE CARR CLAWSON Daily Press

NEWPORT NEWS — Marie Watson Ellis, 86, died Friday, Nov. 19, 1999.

Born on Jan. 26, 1913, in Locustville, Accomack County, she moved to Harpersville at the age of five. She had resided in her home on the James River since 1920. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Newport News, since its beginnings as Hilton Village Methodist Church. She served the church for many years, primarily as a Nursery and Beginner Department Church School teacher. She also prepared meals for Methodist Men for several years. She was also active in the church's Circles and the XYZ Club. She also served her country as a member of the Civilian Observation Corps and as an election official. She also was active in the Home Demonstration Club (Homemakers) and she was well known for ability, both in caning chairs, and in teaching others that craft.

She was preceded in death by her husband, H. Wilson Ellis, in September 1987; her brother, the Rev. Wilkes B. Watson, in April 1999; and her sister, Mae Watson Grinstead, in August 1999. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Donald L. and Emma S. Ellis of St. Albans, W.Va., and Robert L. and Janice M. Ellis of Columbia, Md.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three nephews; and two nieces.

Visitation will be at W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 22. Friends also are welcome at the residence from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Graveside services will be held in Peninsula Memorial Park at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 23, with the Rev. John LeGault officiating. Following the graveside services, there will be a memorial service in celebration of her life at First United Methodist Church in Hilton at 3 p.m.